How I received the gift of tongues

Speaking in Tongues!

How to speak in tongues

How I Received the Gift of Tongues!

Are tongues 'of God?'. Is the gift of tongues for everyone? Depends of who you ask!

I was raised Baptist drawn into the Pentecostal faith at 28 after my sister converted many years earlier. Knowing her all my life, I had to admit there was a drastic change in her personality. She was never wild or evil. As a matter of fact, she was the good one! But now she had a certain, peace. She always seemed content with whatever life handed her. Although I was attracted to this new aura, the thought of speaking in tongues terrified me.

She described her experience. While in college she became fearful and detached, mostly over finances. She rationed her meals and stayed in as she couldn't afford to socialize. She felt herself sinking into a depression. One night a friend invited her to a Pentecostal church service. and there, in the prayer line, she received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

While it all sounded exciting and the change in her was real and very attractive, it was just all too spooky to me. So I continued my Baptist lifestyle, making it to church when I could and sitting through services as the pastor droned on about the same old, same old. Subconsciously I put another notch in my spiritual belt for having sat through it.

I continued my lifestyle of promising God I'd change only to find myself repeating the same old behavior over and over again. Repent, sin, repent, sin, just an endless cycle.

By late 1981, I was so restless and hadn't been to any church in quite awhile. To be honest I had gotten caught up in horoscopes and astrology.. I wouldn't leave the house without reading my horoscope. Sounds silly now but I lived my life by them. Then one day I fell into a slump. I didn't want to get out of bed. Then the crying started and I had no idea why. I cried on and off for 2 or 3 days straight! For some reason I felt compelled to throw out all of my horoscope books and papers, maybe I'd lost faith in them and realized I now had faith in nothing. The thought of going back to church made me feel so guilty I'd cry even more. What would God want with me now?

So there I laid, in the bed, listening to the radio when a gospel talk show came on air. They talked about the usual and took calls about the bible then opened the lines up for prayer. Before I knew it I was speed dialing the number and wouldn't you know it, I got through the first time. A woman prayed for me then we talked. She was so friendly. She invited me to church and offered to pick me up the next day. Lordy I have no idea why I said yes and gave her directions. Even less of an idea as to why I got up early and anxiously awaited her arrival.

Once there, I noticed right away that these folks were different. "What kind of Church is this?" I finally asked. " Apostolic Pentecostal.:"

"Sister!" I accidentally exclaimed out loud,.

The women wore long dresses, not to the ankles but long. Their hair was pulled back and none of them wore make-up, but they didn't seem to need it, their skin was beautiful. There was an alter call afterwards and I wasn't shy about going down. No, this had to be what I needed. The pastor took time to pray for each person separately, something I'd never seen before. AND people were falling backwards onto the floor when he touched them. "I hope he doesn't expect that of me," I thought.

Now it was my turn. He stood before me and asked "How long has God been dealing with you sister"? With that the tears flowed and I could barely speak. He took both hands waiting for my response or prayer request but I just couldn't form words. He waited patiently then touched my shoulder and I collapsed. I can't tell you why. I don't remember falling. I do remember the feeling that came over me, it was euphoric, and no offense, but it was the best high I'd ever had.

On the way home Pam asked me if I was alright. She said I was really quiet and smiling a lot.. I just felt a certain peace. We talked regularly on the phone and one day she asked me if I wanted to tarry for the Holy Ghost. Huh?

Their church did it the old fashioned way; they tarried like the disciples did in the upper room for the first infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

So that Sunday I went down to receive the Holy Spirit. I nervously walked down front and followed the instructions of the pastor. I lifted my hands and closed my eyes. Several people touched my shoulders and suddenly I heard I heard strange languages all around me. "pray" the pastor instructed. So I began to pray. "Now let the spirit speak through you" I was getting more nervous and pretty tired. Finally I went back to my seat with Pam and church dismissed.

"Why didn't I speak in tongues?" I asked on the ride home. "Do you want to?" she asked. "Yes" I told her. "Are you sure? If you fear the Holy Spirit He won't force you. You have to want it".

At home I thought about it. The whole experience was sort of scary. I guess I was apprehensive. Still I read my bible constantly, mostly The Book of Acts where the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues is mentioned. One night I couldn't sleep. My husband was sleeping soundly so I went into the bathroom (yes the bathroom) with my bible and began to read about the Holy Spirit. How Jesus sent Him to be our comforter. How He was to lead us into all truth and was the third part of the Godhead.

I decided to turn off the light, lift my hands and begin praying like the pastor instructed, pausing now and then to see if the Spirit wanted to speak through me. And guess what? He did!

I can't tell you how strange it felt at first for my tongue seemed to be moving on it's on and this language, which sounded like Chinese stuttering out of me. It was as if I was lifted out of my body and was floating. I continued to speak on and on. I didn't want to stop. I guess I thought I wouldn't be able to start again. I knew in my spirit that I was communing with God and that He heard me. I don't know how I knew that then or know it now, just revelation. When I finally stopped I was covered in sweat. I took some deep breaths and stumbled into bed for the best sleep of my life. Innocence.

Regardless of what you hear or think about speaking in tongues one thing is true. Only those who have never done it fear it and doubt it. Which is likely why they'll never experience it.

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AUTHOR

Tamararivella

4 years ago

Bless you both for desiring all that God has to give; I remember so well my desire and drive to be filled. After struggling so long in prayer lines and such I received it on my own; I can only say the difference was that I did come before God humbly like a little child; not professing to know how or why for He is not impressed by knowledge. I opened my heart like a child put myself in His hands to do with what he chose; opened my mouth and there it was; when my tongue started to move I didn't suppress it or try to form my own words; I will never ever forget the cleansing that first night I stayed in the spirit pouring out my heart and soul. Since that moment I've had no bitterness or hate in my heart! even those who'd harmed me in the past; nothing but pure love for God and all mankind

I will be be praying for you

prathyusha & Tina! Prepare to receive this wonderful free gift : )

prathyusha

4 years ago

I m very much eager to speak in tongues yet i don't how to receive it.can u pls pray fr me.n also i want my family to get saved.thank yu

Tina Nassif

4 years ago

Can you do me a favor and pray that the Lord helps me get a water baptism, and can you also pray that I get the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Prayer is powerful and I would really love it if I could get some extra prayer from a dear brother or sister. Can you also pray that God continues to call my family because I want them to get saved too. Thank you and God bless

Mishy

5 years ago

The experience is just great, and once you experience it you will never like the Holy Spirit to leave you. Myself am too rigid to speak when i am awake though at times i feel the force, and i think that's why He speaks a lot when am deep asleep. I remember at college one night i was very sick and we were six guys in the room. The next day i woke up completely healed as if i wasn't seriously ill. One of my room mates asked me if i go to a pentecostal church, to which i said yes not knowing why he was asking. Then he said last night you were speaking in tongues as if you were praying but he couldn't interpret what i was saying anyway. That's when i realised that the Spirit can pray for us directly to God and up to now i don't want to lose this Gift, i feel secure and protected.

tinelle

6 years ago

I had a very similar experience. i love the Lord with all my heart and soul. I loved your testimony. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless You!

mary smith

7 years ago

PROPHET JAMES D SMITH 2425 IRIS STREET APT 904 MIDDLEBURG FLA 32068 THE BARE FOOT PROPHET 24 HR PRAYER LINE CALL US ANY TIME DAY OR NIGHT 904 406-0784 DONT BE HOME LEAVE YOUR PHONE NUMBER ON OUR ANSWERING MACHINE MAY GOD BLESS YOU THANK YOU ALL SORRY I HAD LEFT IRIS OUT ON MY MESSAGE ITS CORRECTED NOW THANK YOU

mary smith

7 years ago

Prophet james D Smith 2425 street apt 904 middleburg fla 32068 The Bare Foot Prophet 24 hr prayer line call us anytime Day or Night 904 406-0784 Don't be home leave your phone number and cell number on our answering machine May God Bless You Thank you all

Property-Invest

8 years agofrom London

Hi Tamara. Thanks for your hub - tongues can be quite a shock the first time you experience it!

Valaina

8 years agofrom Winston Salem, NC

God is amazing and ever merciful. :)

Williamjordan

8 years agofrom Houston TX

The Holy Ghost still moves thanks for sharing my sister the power of God is on the move praise God

SirDent

8 years ago

Bravo!!! Not many messages like this are taught anymore. Your testimony shows the power of God through the Holy Ghost.

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